alan... wrote:i like that attitude. considering how great each method has worked for me, to right one or another off as "wrong" seems like a bad idea. although some who teach these methods would certainly call theirs the only right ones...

My solution is to simply ignore anyone who claims to have the one true method or the one true interpretation of the Buddha-Vacana.

However, I would advise following the suggestions of one particular teacher. Different teachers can sound contradictory because they are trying to give what they think is the most effective way of approaching the path, based on their experience, and the experience of their students.

Mike

especially if they are focused solely on one specific method! the buddha taught so many it's amazing. and he gave a fair amount of variation on many of the individual methods as well. so when someone says "the only way is MY way and it's this specific training taught by the buddha", i'm kind of like "...hmmm... i'm going to just back up and leave quietly."

-So Nimitta is some thing we see before hand which link to the next outcome.The most important thing is to grasp the meaning of Nimitta. Otherwise you will miss the point.For example if I see these four Nimitas, I will not have the same effect as for the prince Siddhartha.============

In a lighter note, village people in Sri Lanka look for a Nimitta before they do some important task.Sometimes they bother going to make a deliberate good Nimitta.For example, if I am going to a job interview my mother will meet me on the way with water filled vesal in her hand

Thanks mike' it is very helpful. I understand Tactile Nimitta is referring to the Form Nimitta.It appears to me with the little experience I have:Form Nimitta is related to the Rupa aspect and the Light Nimitta is related to the Nama aspect.